check out

phrasal verb·2 senses·particle out

Meanings

1

Leave a hotel after paying

Why “out”? Movement goes from inside to outside.

We have to check out by 11.
We have to settle up and leave the hotel by 11.
Guests checked out after breakfast.
Guests paid and left the hotel after breakfast.
2

Look at or examine

Why “out”? Something comes into the open. People can see it, know it, or understand it.

Check out this new song.
Take a listen to this new song.
Check out the view from here.
Look at the view from here.

Don't confuse with

check outcheck off

Check out means leave a hotel after paying. Check off means mark an item as done.

check outcheck in

Check out means look at or examine. Check in means register at a hotel, airport or event.

Test yourself

We have to check out by 11. What does it mean?

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